UPDATE as of March 6, 2024, at 10:30 p.m.

William Zhang (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 11/13/2006

Deputies assigned to the Underwater Search and Recovery Team have located the body of the missing swimmer, 17-year-old William Zhang. 

According to detectives, Zhang was visiting Florida from Quebec, Canada, with his swim team for a swim camp. Zhang and several other swim team members were swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, conducting swimming drills. It was discovered Zhang did not return to shore at the end of the drills.   

Per detectives, the swim coaches advised that they checked for riptides or hazards before the swimmers entered the water.

Search efforts were conducted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Indian Shores Police Department, Pinellas Suncoast Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the United States Coast Guard.

At approximately 5:23 p.m., Zhang was located and pronounced deceased.

The incident does not appear suspicious in nature.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

***END OF UPDATE***

Original Release: 

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Marine & Environmental Lands Unit
-Flight Unit

PINELLAS COUNTY – Deputies assigned to the Marine & Environmental Lands Unit are searching for a missing swimmer in the area of 19534 Gulf Boulevard in Indian Shores.

On March 6, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., deputies responded after a 911 caller advised a swimmer was carried offshore. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Flight Unit are actively searching for the swimmer with the assistance of the United States Coast Coard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

No further updates will be provided at this time. All future updates will be provided via Media Alert as they become available.

The investigation continues.